METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE ASSESSMENT OF THE HEDGE STRUCTURE IN THE URBAN IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM

Обозначена важность своевременного учета качества и состояния живых изгородей, как многофункционального элемента городского ландшафта. Существующая методика инвентаризации не принимает во внимание распространенные проблемы живых изгородей. Предложена авторская методика, эффективность которой состоит в простоте учета, где фиксируются видимые проблемы структуры изгороди - параметры выпадов, и наглядности полученных расчетных данных, позволяющих сравнительно оценить качество изгородей и выбрать адекватную стратегию по улучшению их состояния. Введено понятие - общая целостность живой изгороди, которая показывает удельную протяженность ненарушенных выпадами участков изгороди, выраженную в процентах. Методика апробирована на 19 объектах общего пользования центрального района города Йошкар-Олы. Выявлены нарушения структуры изгородей: снижение их целостности вследствие наличия выпадов в количестве от 0,2 до 2 шт. /10 пог. м и протяженностью 0,7 до 4,8 пог. м. Различная протяженность выпадов требует различных подходов к их восстановлению. We determined the importance of timely consideration of the quality and condition of hedges as a multifunctional element of the urban landscape. The existing inventory methodology does not take into account the common problems of hedges. The authors’ methodology effectiveness is in the simplicity of accounting, where the visible problems of the hedge structure (gaps parameters) are recorded and the clarity of the calculated data is obtained. That allows us to comparatively assess the quality of hedges and choose an adequate strategy to improve their condition. The concept of general hedge integrity is introduced, which shows the specific length of hedge sections not disturbed by gaps, expressed as a percentage. The method has been tested on 19 public facilities in the central district of Yoshkar-Ola city. Violations of the structure of hedges were revealed: a decrease in their integrity due to the presence of gaps in an amount from 0.2 to 2 pcs. per 10 running meters and with length from 0,7 to 4,8 running meters. Different lengths of gaps require different approaches to their recovery.

The Specific Length of an Underground Tunnel and the Effects of Rock Block Characteristics on the Inflow Rate

The specific length of a tunnel (STL) and a new analytical model for calculating the block surface area of the rock mass are introduced. First, a method for determining the appropriate length of a tunnel for a numerical simulation is described. The length is then used to examine the correlation between the inflow rate to the tunnel and the block volume, the block surface area, and the fracture intensity (P32) through analytical and numerical modeling. The results indicate that the length of the tunnel should at least be equal to the least common multiple (LCM) of the apparent spacings of the joint sets at the wall of the tunnel to obtain the more reliable and immediate results for the inflow rate to a tunnel that is excavated in a fractured rock mass. A new analytical model was developed to calculate the block surface area and determine the essential joint set parameters, which include the dip, dip direction, and spacing. The determination of the rock block characteristics through numerical modeling requires considering the intact block for calculations. The results indicated that the inflow rate to the tunnel increased with an increase in fracture intensity and a decrease in block volume and surface area. The STL and the analytical model used for calculating the block surface area are validated through numerical simulations with 3DEC software version 7.0.

Revealing the coexistence of differentiation and communication in an endemic hare, Lepus yarkandensis (Mammalia, Leporidae) using specific-length amplified fragment sequencing

Background The Yarkand hare (Lepus yarkandensis Günther, 1875) is endemic to oasis and desert areas around the Tarim Basin in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of northwest China; however, genome-wide information for this species remains limited. Moreover, the genetic variation, genetic structure, and phylogenetic relationships of Yarkand hare from the plateau mountain regions have not been reported. Thus, we used specific-length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology to evaluate the genetic diversity of 76 Yarkand hares from seven geographic populations in the northern and southwestern parts of the Tarim Basin to investigate single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker-based population differentiation and evolutionary processes. Selective sweep analysis was conducted to identify genetic differences between populations. Results Using SLAF-seq, a total of 1,835,504 SNPs were initially obtained, of which 308,942 high-confidence SNPs were selected for further analysis. Yarkand hares exhibited a relatively high degree of genetic diversity at the SNP level. Based on pairwise FST estimates, the north and southwest groups showed a moderate level of genetic differentiation. Phylogenetic tree and population structure analyses demonstrated evident systematic phylogeographical structure patterns consistent with the geographical distribution of the hares. Hierarchical analysis of molecular variation further indicated that genetic variation was mainly observed within populations. Low to moderate genetic differentiation also occurred among populations despite a common genomic background, likely due to geographical barriers, genetic drift, and differential selection pressure of distinct environments. Nevertheless, the observed lineage-mixing pattern, as indicated by the evolutionary tree, principal component analysis, population structure, and TreeMix analyses, suggests a certain degree of gene flow between the north and southwest groups. This may be related to the migration of hares to high-altitude water sources southwest of the basin during glacial climatic oscillations, as well as river re-diffusion and oasis restoration in the basin following the glacial period. We also identified candidate genes, and their associated gene ontology terms and pathways, related to the adaptation of Yarkand hares to different environmental habitats. Conclusions The identified genome-wide SNPs, genetic diversity, and population structure of Yarkand hares expand our understanding of the genetic background of this endemic species and provide valuable insights into its environmental adaptation, allowing for further exploration of the underlying mechanisms.

Combined use of Specific Length Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF-seq) And Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) For Rapid Identification of Genes Influencing Fiber Content of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), an ancient crop, is a significant source of high-quality fiber that primarily caters to the textile industry worldwide. Compared to other fiber crops, hemp is an environmentally friendly fiber crop which requires fewer pesticides and purifies the soil during cultivation. Fiber content is a crucial quantitative trait for evaluating fiber yield in hemp. Understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in hemp breeding is essential for improving yield. In this study, to investigate these underlying mechanisms, we developed 660 F1 plants from a cross between Jindao-15(high fiber content fiber-use variety)and Fire No.1༈low fiber content fiber-use variety༉, and thirty plants each with high and low fiber content were selected from 305 monoecious plants of this population according to 5 %-10 % of population size for quantitative traits. The DNA from these plants was extracted to establish two bulk DNA pools. The DNA was then subjected to the restriction digestion by the enzymes RsaI and HaeIII to obtain 314–364 bp digestion fragments and subjected to sequencing using specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq). Then, each fragment was labeled with specific SLAF tags, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified to determine the candidate regions related to fiber content through marker association analysis of genotype frequency differences between the mixed pools of DNA. The gene annotation results identified the candidate genes responsible for the fiber content of hemp. In this study, we successfully developed 368,404 SLAF tags, which led to the detection of 389,687 SNPs. These SNPs were then subjected to the SNP-Index correlation algorithm, which revealed four candidate regions related to fiber content traits on Chromosome 1, with a length of 8.68 Mb and containing 389 annotated genes. We found that 199 non-synonymous mutations which change the amino acids sequences existed in the parent population. The annotation information and the comparison results identified 15 genes that were highly likely to modulate the fiber content of hemp. Further, qPCR validation identified six genes (LOC115705530, LOC115705875, LOC115704794, LOC115705371, LOC115705688 and LOC115707511) that were highly positively correlated with influencing the hemp fiber content. These genes were involved in the transcription regulation, auxin and water transportion, one carbon and sugar metabolism. Thus, our study highlights the importance of the combined use of SLAF-Seq and Bulked Segregant analysis (BSA) to locate genes related to hemp fiber content rapidly. Hence, our study provides novel mechanistic inputs for the fast identification of genes related to important agronomic traits of hemp and other crops catering to the textile industry.

Specific length and structure rather than high thermodynamic stability enable regulatory mRNA stem-loops to pause translation

SUMMARYTranslating ribosomes unwind mRNA secondary structures by three basepairs each elongation cycle. Despite the ribosome helicase, certain mRNA stem-loops stimulate programmed ribosomal frameshift by inhibiting translation elongation. Here, using mutagenesis, biochemical and single-molecule experiments, we examine whether high stability of three basepairs, which are unwound by the translating ribosome, is critical for inducing ribosome pauses. We find that encountering frameshift-inducing mRNA stem-loops from the E. coli dnaX mRNA and the gag-pol transcript of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) hinders A-site tRNA binding and slows down ribosome translocation by 15-20 folds. By contrast, unwinding of first three basepairs adjacent to the mRNA entry channel slows down the translating ribosome by only 2-3 folds. Rather than high thermodynamic stability, specific length and structure enable regulatory mRNA stem-loops to stall translation by forming inhibitory interactions with the ribosome. Our data provide the basis for rationalizing transcriptome-wide studies of translation and searching for novel regulatory mRNA stem-loops.

Write Popular Articles, Op-Eds, and Essays

For researchers used to technical communication, writing lay-level articles requires a commitment to learning a different way of writing. This new approach includes becoming a storyteller, not an “authority,” and understanding the editorial process. This process includes how to market articles, how to pitch editors, and how to cope with editing. Op-eds can be highly useful as outlets for researchers, but they have specific length, content, and marketing requirements that must be observed. Feature articles also have particular requirements in terms of understanding the needs of readers, and being organized to grab and hold them. Lay-level articles can best engage readers by using the writing techniques of fiction. Effective lay-level writing also means “murdering your children”—being willing to ruthlessly edit out content that loses the reader. Authors can also make their articles more engaging by providing artwork, animations, video, and audio.

Produce Informative Research Videos

Researchers can usefully produce a spectrum of videos, from simple ones created with a smartphone, to professional-quality video news releases. To be effective, technical videos should be brief, often including links to further information. They should still, however, adhere to high production standards. News videos also have specific length and technical requirements, whether a finished video news release or B roll. Video releases should observe ethical requirements to avoid the appearance of being infomercials. Lecture videos should only be considered if they offer more than a talking head but include engaging and informative visuals. Field research makes a useful subject for both lay and technical videos. All videos should observe basic principles of production quality, planning, scripting, shooting, and editing. Videos can also be syndicated widely to numerous free websites.